Her eyes, that same blue-green as Patrick’s, lit up. “You’re the sweetest. That would be wonderful, thank you. Patrick told us you’re so incredibly helpful to him. He’s very lucky to have someone like you.”
They peered out of the window as we drove on the highway, and I wondered how it was possible for two complete strangers I’d met only moments ago to show me more warmth and affection than my own parents ever had.
Chapter Ten
Patrick
I fucking hated traveling. Especially with time-zone changes, it screwed with my sleep pattern and always made me sluggish at training camp the day after. It was the one downside of playing football. But this time I didn’t mind, as I was going to see my parents. I’d talked to them plenty since my trade and move to New York City, but this would be the first time I’d seen them in close to six months.
I stepped off the jet, and of course the press was there to take our pictures because who doesn’t look fucking fresh as a daisy after a flight? But I did my best and kept walking fast until some fans recognized us and called out our names. One kid yelled out, “Trick, you’re the best. Can I take your picture?”
I waved to him and slowed my stride. Yeah, we were tired and wanted to get home as fast as possible, but these were fans. Lots of players kept walking, but it didn’t feel right to me. I spent fifteen minutes of my life with the fans but gave them memories for a lifetime.
God bless Fallon for having a car waiting for me. I sank into the soft leather of the back seat with a sigh. I thought I’d catch a nap, but I was too wound up and bounced out of the car without giving the driver a chance to take my bag out of the trunk.
“Thanks, man.”
“You’re welcome, sir. Great game.”
I flashed him a grin and hurried away, anxious to see my parents, but the suite was empty when I opened the door.
“Where the hell are they?” Annoyed, I pulled out my phone, only to have the door open and my parents, accompanied by Fallon, walk in. All three were laughing.
“Oh, rats. You got here first.” My mom dropped her bag on the couch and ran to me. “You look tired.” She held my face between her hands, concern marring her normally cheerful expression.
“Happy birthday. I love you. And yeah, I never like flying. But I’m glad you’re here.” Every time I’d see my parents after a long absence, I’d watch them carefully for signs of aging, but from what I’d seen so far, they appeared the same. My parents had married in their midtwenties, but it had taken my mother almost eight years to get pregnant the first time, and she’d had four miscarriages before having me. She called me her “one-and-done miracle baby.”
“The trade agrees with you,” Dad said. “You’re playing better than ever.” He hugged me, and I put my arm around Mom.
“I think so. And yeah, the trade’s been great. Where were you?”
My mom threw Fallon a sweet smile. “Fallon’s been so wonderful. He took us for breakfast at a real New York City diner. Then we went for a ride all over to see some of the sites—the 9/11 Memorial, Rockefeller Center, the Public Library, Central Park. He’s been the absolute best tour guide.”
“Yeah, he’s pretty perfect. Thanks for taking care of my parents.”
Red-faced, he waved us off. “It was no problem at all. Your parents are sweet.” He hovered by the door. “I’ll leave now and let you visit. I’ll go to the condo and check that everything’s ready.”
He met my eyes, and I nodded. “Thanks.” Fallon had assured me he’d make my mother’s birthday special, and from the way she was glowing from a little sightseeing, I had no doubts.
“It was nice to meet you both. Happy birthday again.”
“Bye, Fallon.” My dad shook his hand, and my mother gave him a hug.
“I hope we’ll see you very soon. Thank you so much for giving us such a wonderful New York morning.”
He left, and I sank onto the couch. “Feels good to be home. Such as it is. I can’t wait to show you my new place.”
“Fallon said it’s a beautiful apartment.” Mom sat next to me while my six-foot-three Dad took the big club chair so he could stretch his legs. “Two or three bedrooms?”
“Two, but there’s an office I can convert to a bedroom if I ever need to.”
“Well, eventually you’ll get married, I hope.”
After two flops, marriage and kids was the furthest thing from my mind. “Maybe. At the moment, I’m not thinking about anything but football.”
“You broke it off with that girl you were seeing? The model?”
“Mimi? Yeah. She’s back in California. Right now, all I want is to win the Super Bowl. I have too much going on to get serious with anyone.” Mom gave me theYou don’t think I’m falling for that, do you?look I recognized from when I was a kid. “I’m serious, Mom. I mean, yeah, I’ll go out sometimes, but I’m not looking for a relationship.” I jumped to my feet. “Fallon shouldhave everything set up in the new apartment, and I can finally move in.”
